Burned Out Teachers

As I sit here in the Atlanta airport I'm thinking about how many conversations I've had with teachers lately about how to "fix" education. What is the answer to funding, overcrowded classrooms, lack of support and the sinking feeling like we are not doing enough?

I wish I had the answer to that question friends. I wish I could sit here and give you 1,000 reasons why educators should continue to fight.   I'm a everyday classroom teacher just like all of you. I'm a mother, a wife, active member in my church and (sometimes) a gym rat. 

I struggle just like everyone else to find the balance. How to be the best mom, wife, teacher, church member and keep myself in shape. While I haven't figured out the perfect equation to doing that..I have had my own "ah ha" moment. I've experienced a lot in this last year in my personal life. It has drawn me closer to Jesus and I've realized that most cliche thing ever. Seriously. It's just this: Life is too short. We aren't guaranteed tomorrow. You'd think I would have learned that by now in my old age of 29.  And even though I've had tragic experiences in my life...I'm just now finally, believing these silly cliches...."Life is too short." "Everything can change in an instant". "Live life to the fullest"

We have to remember that we are humans. We have a life outside of our classroom. Our family deserves our attention and we should not get so caught up in the our work that we forget that. Our job is not like others. We can't "punch out" and come back the next day and have everything run smoothly. It's the downfall to our job. Every job has them....

Which brings me to my next point.. So if we know that we have to have a life outside of our classrooms, and that may hinder us from being able to accomplish everything we want to accomplish.....

We have to learn that we will never be able to give 200%, 200% of the time. It's just not realistic. We should strive to do our best and give each lesson all we can. But we can't expect that everything will always go perfect. Because it won't. No matter how much planning you put into it or what the lesson plans say....sometimes we have to....

Yes, I just did that. I know. And I'm sorry. Couldn't help it. Seriously. Haha!

I know this is an odd blog post...but with all the heartache and stress in my everyday classroom life, I felt like I should share so we can know that we are not alone in this career. Blogging has brought so many wonderful educators into my life and I am so thankful for that. I'm a better educator because of the virtual collaboration that goes on. Tonight I'm remembering why I became a teacher, and why I want to remain a teacher...probably the same reason you do...the KIDS! 

Here's to a stress free week and to remembering why we became educators!

Election Day

Last weekend I spent some time in NYC with some of my blogging buddies and my sister! We had such a blast! I can't wait to go back!

It was so great to meet these people "in person". 

This week we dove into elections. This skill can be kind of boring for firsties so I tried to make it as fun as I could! We started off with using a few election poems.  I used the poems for part of my shared reading in my balanced literacy routine. The kids loved them poems and they are full of sight words so it was a win win!!! 

My handwriting is horrible so I whipped up these little anchor charts to give the students that visual aide that they need so much. 

We used my pocket chart vocabulary cards to present the material in another aspect. I love watching the kids refer to these materials when we are discussing the skill. It shows me that they really do need the extra reinforcement. 

We also used my ABC Order center during guided reading groups. I love this because it only has  a few words so they can really understand how the concept of ABC order works. This is a skill we will work on ALL year long. I can't wait to see the progress they make with this. Research shows how learning ABC order tremendously helps the literacy development. I couldn't agree more. The students really focus on the letters and the sounds they make in order to put the words in ABC order. 

You can get all of the activities that I talked about plus much more in my Election Unit!

Here's a few other little previews for you :) 

All About Shapes and Patterns

The past two weeks we've been diving into shapes! I tell ya, this is not my favorite SOL to teach. Just because it seems to be so easy and there's only so many ways you can describe a shape!!! Maybe that's just me :) 

I had to find some different ways to teach geometric 2d shapes. We used Linda's Product "What Does The SHAPE Say". I can't believe I forgot to take a picture of the anchor chart! So CUTE! The kids loved it and I feel like it really help spark their interest in "shapes". We were always saying "What does the SHAPE say" and then that high pitch lithe noise that goes along with it haha. 

The kids really enjoyed this activity. We essentially just built  the  2D shapes with q-tips!  The kids really enjoyed bending the q-tips to create the shapes. Couldn't believe how much fun the kids had with this!

You can get this for free RIGHT HERE!

Next, we learned about sorting shapes by different attributes. Sorting is such a hard concept sometimes because they often only want to sort by color or size. Our standards require that students are able to sort the shapes by color, size, thickness and shape.

I created this little sorting center for my kiddos to get a different approach to sorting shapes. 

You can grab your FREE  copy HERE!! 

We use read alouds in EVERY subject, every single day! While I think it is important to use read alouds, I often can only find a few books on the topic verses enough for 10 days. So I made my printable books to give my kiddos exposure to different types of print.

We used my printable Shape Book. This packet comes with some printables to link literacy to math. I'm all about using cross circular items!!

Since I just posted this book, it's on SALE until tomorrow :) Check it out right here!

 Pattern Math Centers

We are now diving into patterns.  The kids are loving making their own patterns. At first, we just used the cards to create our own patterns. But the cards would fall and they'd lose them. I feel like the kidods just needed some guidelines. So I laminated a sentence strip and applied velcro! Ohhh my goodness! What difference this made! They were actually making patterns, touching them, and then labeling them with a expo marker! I was in love! Something so simply yet made SUCH a difference. 

You can check the cards and much more out right here! My Pattern Kit is also on sale! 

Guided Math Made Easy

Hey friends! We just finished week 5! Can't believe it's already half way through the first grading period! My life has been so full of meetings, planning, meetings, trainings, meetings..did I say MEETINGS?!? I am certainly glad the weekend is here :)

This week, I kicked off formal data collection in guided math. 

I used my Guided Math Binder to document all of my assessments and observations. This way I could easily jot my notes down and form my groups based on the data. I'm  not the most organized person so this is SO helpful for me.  I just separated my data by skill or SOL (our standards in VA). It was so helpful come conference time to when I was asked directly how a student was doing on a specific skill. I using this resource to help me analyze my data so that I can pinpoint exactly where my students weaknesses are. 

Implementing Guided Math in the Beginning of the Year

We started our guided math routine off very simple. I introduced our guided math routing with Reagan's Guided Math Posters. We discussed the word stamina and how we were building up to be bale to work for longer periods of time. I have four tables in my classroom. Each table got a hands on activity to complete for just 8 minutes. Each activity was introduced to the entire group.  I used very simple activities. I wanted my students to get the hang on working in a group with activities that they could pretty much do on their own. We started off with  math tubs filled with Skip Counting Puzzles, Place Value Work Mats, Math Interactive Notebook, and Math Literacy. These activities are easy to prepare and simple for the kiddos to pick up to get the hang of working in groups.  I allowed the kids to work in 8 minute rotations, teaching them that when the timer goes off, we began to clean up.

This worked SO well for my kiddos. They enjoyed fun, engaging activities that were not so much prep work. It was a teacher lifesaver :) Each week, we've built up our time and are now completing 13 minute rotations. I've begun to pull my students that need a little extra help with the skill we are working on. The great thing about guided math, is that we will continue working on previously taught skills for the year. 

 It's very important to practice routines while using meaningful activities. Students should be expected to do real life learning while understanding and developing the sense of the classroom. 

Our first SOL or objective was counting to  50. My students were able to demonstrate how to count to 50. 

We used these interactive notebook pages to practice counting, place value and skip counting. 

You can check out this notebook right here! AND It's on SALE :) 

Happy Teaching! 

Classroom Setup and FREEBIES :)

Hey Y'all. Sorry it's been a while!! I've been knee deep in back to school fun!!! 

My classroom did not get the "perfect pinterest" set up I was looking for this year. At the end of last school year, I had to pack ALL of my things up. I was only able to move back in two days before teachers officially returned back to work. It made for an interesting week and half...of no cooking, barely eating, no laundry or house cleaning! So we've spent almost *ALL* day today getting our life back in order lol. I couldn't believe how outta control the house was! Not to mention, I have no clue what we've been eating because the fridge was quite bare. I hope I'm not the only teacher out there that the first week of school really takes a toll on!!! 

Like I said, not Pinterest worthy but it's functional!!

We have a "Meet and Greet" before school starts and then "Open House" two weeks after school starts. I made these little Printable Signs and placed them in spray painted frames from the Dollar Tree.  Click the picture to download your free copy! 

View from the back

I purchased the chevron bins from the Dollar Tree this summer. I wish I would have purchased more. When I bought them, I wasn't sure how I would use them so I only got a few. 

I used my Chevron Library Labels to sort out my library.  My library is organized by theme. This is where all of my extra money goes!! My husband hunts, I'm a book hoarder :) 

This is my small group area. I left most of my bulletin boards blank this year. Last year, I ran out of room for anchor charts. This year, my goal is to  have MORE anchor charts  AND they will ALL be student created :) I plan to post about this later in the year :) 

My favorite little spot in my classroom. My rock that says "I will Take Care Of You-God", My Gift from my kiddos, and my daddy. What more could a girl ask for?

On our first day back,  our admin sent us on a little scavenger hunt. Such a blast. I was picked for "energetic". Naaah..not me ;)

Throughout my room, you will see these homemade banners I made. I used Teacher Created Resources Chevron Funtastic Letters on triangle colored paper. They turned out great and it was super cheap!!

That's the end of week one. Even though it was a short week, it felt like it was the longest one ever! Hopefully, next week will breeze by ;) Wishful thinking haha :)

Crusade For Safety 2014

I can't believe it's that time of the year again. This my third annual Crusade For Safety. Tomorrow is the 15 year anniversary since my life changed forever. I can't even believe it. 

Share this image and use the hashtag #crusadeforsafety

Driving safely is something so close to my heart and yet I've slipped up as a driver before. I've taken my eye off the road, looked at my phone, changed the radio, or talked to a passenger. I do this virtual "Crusade For Safety" to remind us ALL {even myself} to drive safely. I know better. I've lived it. I see it every day when I look in the mirror. My story is one that seems like it happened to someone else. For years, 14 in fact, I never remembered a single part of my accident. Only bits and pieces. It wasn't until last fall that I started to remember parts of it. I always *wanted* to remember, but now that I do, I wish I hadn't. Funny how life works that way. 

This is a very special time of the year for me, especially this year.   Two years ago I shared with you all a piece of my heart. A story that is so close to me that it's pretty much the reason I am the way I am today.

I became a teacher because of a few teachers who went above and beyond after my wreck. I became a saved christian because one in particular brought a bible to my hospital bedside. She told me that the scars that I was so upset over, didn't matter. That Jesus loved me unconditionally and would always be there for me. These wonderful people helped shape and mold me into the person I am today. During such a difficult time, these teachers helped me out when they didn't have to. I was out of school so much, they could have easily turned the other cheek. 

I wanted to share a few stats with you to encourage you to analyze how distracted you are when driving. If you have teenage drivers, please read my story. I encourage you to think about the ground rules for your teenagers. Consider having a rule about limiting so many passengers in the car. 

{Image Credit: distractu}

Please, friends, remember.....

Jimmy, I miss you every single day. It saddens me that you missed the opportunity to grow old, get married and have children. I know if you were here today, you would be one amazing man!Rest easy my sweet friend, I will share this message until the day I die <3 p="">

More Back To School

Hey friends! I'm in full classroom setup swing! I  have only had three days in my room and feel progress and overwhelmed at the same time. My sweet colleague sent me a ton of books that were labeled and ready to go! So I've spent some time merging my existing library books into the system she created. It's a sticker system where each book has a sticker that matches the book basket. I am so excited about it and will post pictures and more about it once I'm all finished.

I haven't even glued the labels yet. You can check out the labels right here.

Classroom Library Labels

Something else I'm super excited about is the implementation of interactive notebooks. Here's a look at how we've implemented them in the past. 

I have two interactive notebooks I use.  I typically cut out the header pieces for the students at the beginning of the year, but I want them to cut and sort the words on their own. 

The first notebook includes skills over 20 activities working on sight words, blends, rhyming words, long and short vowel words and much more :)


Interactive notebooks give students a chance to practice on those important reading strategies while being engaged at the same time. Student engagement is the key to students successfully learning a concept.

Interactive Notebook

The kiddos LOVED the blend activity. You can differentiate it so easily by having the students write sentences under the flap or they could draw another picture. 

This is the story element activity. 

This is a noun and verb word sort. 

This is my mess I need to get finished up :) Still so much to do and so little time!!! This is me pretending not to freak out :)